Jackie Chan to Carry Torch Ahead of Paralympic Opening Ceremony 

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
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Jackie Chan to Carry Torch Ahead of Paralympic Opening Ceremony 

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan sings on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in Beijing, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)

Hong Kong-born martial arts actor Jackie Chan was named on Sunday as one of the torchbearers in the lead-up to the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris.

The 70-year-old, known for his stunts and acrobatic fight scenes, will carry the flame on Wednesday afternoon in the French capital just hours before the opening ceremony, the organizing committee announced.

French actress Elsa Zylberstein, and dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied will also take part in the torch relay.

As with the Olympic opening ceremony, Wednesday's event will take place beyond the confines of the Stade de France, with a parade down the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde in central Paris.

The flame, which was lit on Saturday in Stoke Mandeville in the UK, the historic birthplace of the Paralympic Games, arrived in France via the Channel Tunnel on Sunday, carried by wheelchair fencing medalist Emmanuelle Assmann.

"It's all about inscribing sport in the hearts of people with disabilities," said French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera who was on hand to welcome the flame, alongside Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee.

The flame was due to continue its journey where it would be "multiplied" into 12 Paralympic flames, which will be carried by 1,000 torchbearers in around 50 towns, in 12 simultaneous relays.

These 12 relays will converge on Paris, where the flame will arrive on Wednesday for the opening ceremony.



Saudi Snooker Player Al-Qabbani Qualifies for Quarter-finals of World Junior Snooker Championship

File photo of the Saudi flag - Reuters
File photo of the Saudi flag - Reuters
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Saudi Snooker Player Al-Qabbani Qualifies for Quarter-finals of World Junior Snooker Championship

File photo of the Saudi flag - Reuters
File photo of the Saudi flag - Reuters

Saudi snooker team player Ziad Al-Qabbani qualified on Sunday for the quarterfinals of the World Junior Snooker Championship, which is being held from August 24 to 29 in Bengaluru, India.

The tournament features 150 players representing 25 national teams, SPA reported.
The 14-year-old Al-Qabbani secured his place in the quarterfinals of the Juniors Under 17-15 Ball category after topping Group B in the group stage. His impressive 3-0 victory over Iranian opponent Beniman Kazvand in the 16th round advanced him to the next stage.
Al-Qabbani is set to face a Polish national team player in the quarterfinals on Monday morning at 10 a.m.